2011 Moving Lives Forward Scholarship Recipients

“My first reaction to receiving this scholarship was a feeling of affirmation about what I have been through and what I have experienced, especially when I have not always been affirmed and in fact, have had to fight quite hard to make people aware of my needs. When it comes to the stigma, I had no idea how much this was something that affected me, and winning this award has made me realize how much I have hidden this part of myself. When I won it, and was asked to be able to share my experience with others, this made me feel very challenged in a way that I had not expected. As a social worker, I am always trying to help people to not internalize their difficulties and burdens, especially when it comes to mental health, and to become strong and strengthened by their challenges and to try and not pathologize their experiences. I realized that I needed to do this for myself as well. I needed to be able to be ok with my disability and to own it and not feel that it is something to hide. This is a huge lesson for me and is going to be so important in my personal and professional life.

The scholarship will be used for my tuition to finish my masters in Social Work at York University. For many who have mood disorders and, as in my situation, a learning disorder, things, and in particular stressful things like school, do not always progress in the way that they may for other people. The structures and systems are often set up for the success of a few, but not for all of us, who are just as intelligent and able. This type of scholarship recognizes this, and recognizes that it can take more out of us to do what for others comes more easily, even though we are able to do it with the right structures in place.”

Sasha Adler
Toronto, Ontario

"When I opened my letter at the post office down the street from my house, I ran home like a bullet to tell my mom the great news. At first I couldn't believe it, but when it finally sunk in, the knot in my stomach loosened its hold on me. Knowing I had enough money to pay for my college tuition and other educational expenses, I was able to relax more and actually enjoy the experience of starting a new chapter in my life rather than worry myself needlessly.

As a prospective Biotechnology Technologist student at St. Lawrence College, my years ahead are going to be hard enough. It's encouraging to know that those with mood disorders (such as myself with depression) can get access to supportive resources such as this one, which will aid us to have a more fulfilling and positive future. I was always the kind of kid who chased after frogs and admired all of the intricacies of a leaf, so marching ahead into studying in a scientific field came as no surprise to my friends and family. 

For the last few years I have been battling depression; two years ago, even the thought of post-secondary education would confine me to my bed. I am now ready and eager to take this leap into a new life. I couldn't have done it without the support of the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Jessica D’Amboise
Inverary, Ontario

“When I found out I had been awarded a scholarship I was shocked and very happy. It made me feel like someone believed in me and my abilities enough to invest in my future even if I have chronic depression.

The scholarship will go toward my tuition for Fleming College where I have just finished my first semester and am entering my second semester in the Social Service Worker Program. This is a two year course and I am taking an emphasis on Aboriginal Studies to understand a new culture and to help a variety of people with mental health issues.  I know how hard it was for me to understand what I was going through and I was lucky enough to have a counsellor from the Mental Health Services who understood and helped me every step of the way and I feel I want to help someone else the way I was helped.

I feel this type of scholarship is important because it not only shows the community that even if we have mood disorders we can still be productive members of society, it also shows other people with mood disorders that they can be successful and there is nothing they can’t do. We become examples to others which we many of us couldn’t do without this type of scholarship. “

Tracey Little
Marmora, Ontario

“When I found out that I had been awarded a scholarship I felt both relieved and happy. I was happy that I had received such an award, and was relived because of what this award meant for me and my family. I am relieved that at least my tuition will be covered and not cause stress for my family. I will use the Moving Lives Forward Scholarship to pay for my tuition and any other fees associated with my education. I am pursuing my interest in chemistry at Carleton University. I want to help people and make the world a better place, and with chemistry I can do that. Chemists are constantly making new materials every day, and I want to help by making more efficient materials for industries.

People with mood disorders have a tough time being accepted socially. Parents try to teach us to be respectful of others, but people who act differently will get different responses from people. This causes people with mood disorders to have to face challenges during all stages of life, from being accepted at the playground to making a good impression at a job interview. This scholarship helps students financially so they can pay for their education, which may have been difficult otherwise.”

Carlo Paolozzi
Stittsville, Ontario

“I was at work when I got “the call.” I checked my voicemail, which said I received a call from the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario regarding the Moving Lives Forward Scholarship. My heart nearly jumped from my chest, and I thought “Could it be? Have I won?!” I immediately called back and was informed that yes, I was in fact one of the 6 scholarship winners! To paint a picture, I had one of those ear-to-ear smiles on my face, and wanted to jump up and down, dance, and run into the restaurant where I work and shout out the good news! Needless to say I was both relieved and ecstatic because I not only realized that I no longer had to worry about how I was going to pay for my final year at York, but more importantly I felt completely overwhelmed with support.

The scholarship has gone toward paying for my final year of my undergraduate degree. For the last four years I have been enrolled at York University in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies as an Honours student, majoring in English with a Visual Arts minor. After this year I plan to apply to Teacher’s College as my goal is to become a secondary school teacher. I am passionate about teaching. I had experienced some of the worst and best times of my life from the grades seven to 12, and encountered numerous teachers who inspired me immensely. I want to be that inspiration for young people who are dealing with the challenges of transitioning from childhood to adulthood, especially those who may be suffering from a mood disorder. I also decided to root my studies in English and Visual Arts because they are both passions of mine, as well as important tools in my maintaining stability, and I hope to develop secondary careers in literature and art.

This type of scholarship is important for people living with mood disorders because of an obvious reason: money can be a burden. It can be more difficult to maintain a job to have a steady and reliable income, as well as the potential expenses that treatment can present. The support one feels upon receiving this award leaves a lasting impact. With a mood disorder you are often left feeling alone and isolated in a world that seems to be able to cope with life and its challenges so much easier than yourself. You feel trapped and frustrated and alone. This scholarship, in its own way, recognizes these struggles, whispers that we are not alone, and that we can and will make a difference.”

Belinda Smith
St. Williams, Ontario

"I felt honored to receive a Moving Lives Forward Scholarship as it allows me to continue my education. The greatest feeling I had about receiving this award was that I am not alone, that others care, and that one day after my education I hope to pay this experience forward to someone else in need. I feel this type of award is necessary for people with mood disorders as it helps to provide substantive equity with the educational setting within Ontario. I know as an individual with a mood disorder receiving this award has removed a lot of stress and has allowed me to apply my energy to having a rewarding experience at Carleton University this year. My scholarship will be used for educational equipment, tuition and books. I want to again express my greatest appreciation for being a recipient of the Moving Lives Forward Scholarship.

I am currently studying for a BA in Law, Policy and Government at Carleton University after transferring from Algonquin College’s Police Foundations Program. I plan to work one day in the area of politics, activism or social justice field."

Clayton Goodwin
Ottawa